1948 Kurtis
Omohundro
Comet
The 1948 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet is one of only two ever built and is considered one of America’s first true sports cars of its kind.
The RESTORATION
The Restoration Begins
The restoration of the 1948 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet began with the car in extremely deteriorated condition. The goal was to carefully bring this rare automobile back to concours condition, preserving its character and returning it to the level required for its appearance at the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours.
Michael Sciortino, owner of Sciortino Customs, working on the 1948 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet.
CAREFUL DISASSEMBLY
The Comet was carefully disassembled to expose the structure, body, chassis, and individual components beneath its deteriorated exterior. With the automobile taken apart, each area could be examined closely and evaluated as part of the restoration process. The extensive disassembly provided a clear understanding of the condition of the car and established the foundation for the detailed work required to bring this rare automobile back to concours condition.
The 1948 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet carefully disassembled during the restoration.
SAVING THE ORIGINAL BODY PANELS
The original aluminum body panels were carefully retained and restored rather than remade. Each panel was carefully re-worked and repaired, preserving as much of the original material as possible. This approach allowed these 78-year-old original body panels to remain part of the finished automobile and preserve the character of the Comet.
Rear half of the Kurtis Omohundro Comet getting metal finished off of the car
Final fitment of all the body panels before the bodywork stage
THE BODY COMES BACK TOGETHER
With the original aluminum body panels metal-finished, repaired, and preserved, the body began to come back together. The panels were brought back onto the chassis and carefully positioned to re-establish the shape and proportions of the Comet. At this stage, the automobile began to take recognizable form again, while the original bodywork remained at the center of the restoration.
Bodywork Stage
With the original body panels repaired and metal-finished then carefully fitted back onto the chassis, the restoration entered the critical bodywork stage. The panels were carefully worked to refine their surfaces, correct imperfections, and bring the body into a consistent, uniform condition.
Primer Coating
With the bodywork refined and the original panels brought into consistent shape, the Comet was prepared for primer. The entire body was carefully surfaced and coated to establish a uniform foundation for the next stage of the restoration. Primer revealed remaining imperfections and provided the base needed for continued blocking and surface refinement. This process was critical in preparing the original bodywork for the final paint finish.
The 1948 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet in primer, marking the transition from bodywork and surface refinement toward final paint preparation.
BLOCKED AND READY FOR PAINT
After extensive bodywork, primer, and final blocking, the Comet reached a major turning point in the restoration. The original aluminum body had been carefully restored and refined into one cohesive surface, with its original lines and proportions preserved. The preparation was complete. The body was now ready for paint.
THE COMET RECEIVES ITS FINISH
After the original aluminum body panels were repaired, metal-finished, fitted, primed, and carefully prepared, the Comet finally received its finished color. The transformation was dramatic. The preserved original bodywork now revealed the flowing contours and distinctive character of this rare automobile, marking a major milestone in the restoration and bringing the Comet one step closer to completion.
The 1948 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet after receiving its finished paint, revealing the restored form of the original aluminum bodywork.
THE COMET COMES BACK TOGETHER
With the bodywork and paint completed, the Comet entered its final assembly stage. The restored components were carefully brought back together with the finished body, allowing the automobile to take its complete form again. As the remaining details were fitted into place, the restoration was now coming together as one complete automobile.
The 1948 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet taking shape during final assembly following the completion of the body and paintwork.
THE INTERIOR TAKES SHAPE
The Comet’s interior received the same level of attention as the exterior. The dashboard was completely remade in exotic wood, carefully crafted to complement the character of the automobile. All of the gauges were fully restored and brought back to like-new condition. The completed dashboard and instruments became a defining feature of the finished cockpit, reflecting the level of detail carried throughout the restoration.
Exotic-wood dashboard and fully restored instruments.
TRIMMING OUT THE INTERIOR
With the exterior taking shape, attention turned to the cockpit. German leather and wool carpeting were fitted throughout the interior, transforming the previously unfinished space into a refined and period-appropriate environment. The combination of materials gave the Comet’s interior the quality and character expected of a concours restoration.
German leather and wool carpeting were fitted throughout the interior
THE COMET’S COCKPIT
With the interior fully assembled, the cockpit brought together the final elements of the restoration. The clean lines, carefully fitted trim, and restored details gave the interior the character and presence of the original automobile.
The completed cockpit of the restored 1948 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet.
The restoration was completed by Michael Sciortino of Sciortino Customs for the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS
With the restoration complete, the 1948 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet stood ready to go to the concours field. The original aluminum bodywork had been preserved, the interior restored, and the automobile brought back together as a complete and cohesive presentation. The restoration was completed by Sciortino Customs for the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
RESTORATION & Credits
Michael Sciortino — Sciortino Customs
Restoration:
Michael Sciortino of Sciortino Customs completed the restoration of the 1948 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet for presentation at the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Blake Godbey — Vintage Motors
Commissioning:
Blake Godbey of Vintage Motors, Sarasota, Florida, commissioned Sciortino Customs to undertake the restoration of the Comet.
Wayne Gould — Tucson Auto Museum
Owner:
Wayne Gould, owner of the Tucson Auto Museum, was the owner of the 1948 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet during the restoration.
CONCOURS 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
Original photograph from 1948, taken when the car was first completed. This is one of only five known surviving photographs of the automobile. These five photographs served as the only available reference points during the restoration of this one-of-a-kind automobile.
This page has been created to preserve an accurate historical record of the restoration of the 1948 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet and the individuals and company responsible for returning the automobile to concours condition.